Tinubu Defends INEC, Says Nigeria's Economy Has Recovered From Bankruptcy Risk

President Bola Tinubu has defended the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting the electoral body has remained neutral ahead of the 2027 general election.

While receiving a delegation from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu dismissed concerns about the electoral commission's impartiality after the bishops called for credible elections, adequate funding for INEC and a level playing field for all political parties.

"INEC is neutral. They've never intimidated anybody," the President said. "If political opponents are crying wolf, maybe they are afraid of their own shadows and the uncertainty in the companies they keep, not me."

The President also defended his administration's economic reforms, saying Nigeria has recovered from the fiscal crisis it faced when he assumed office in May 2023.

"The economy has recovered and is safe from bankruptcy," Tinubu said, adding that his government had stabilized the economy and that "prosperity is on the horizon."

He acknowledged inheriting significant economic and security challenges but said his administration had confronted them rather than avoided them.

"I inherited the challenges. I didn't run away. I asked for this job, and I'm in it," he said.

Tinubu argued that the quality of life was improving, pointing to the relative stability of public universities, which have remained open without prolonged industrial action.

He also highlighted the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying students are receiving financial support, including stipends, while in higher institutions.

On security, the President announced that he had approved the expansion of the Nigerian Armed Forces, including plans to recruit more personnel, build new barracks and military installations, and provide additional resources to combat terrorism.

"There will be resources to equip them, build new barracks, build stations, and defeat terrorism," he said, urging religious leaders to continue preaching against violent extremism.

"We all must fight terrorism together. We have that responsibility to our nation and to our society," Tinubu said.

Responding to calls for the return of mission schools, Tinubu said the responsibility lies with state governments, noting that he returned mission schools while serving as governor of Lagos State.

"There is no need for constitutional amendment for that," he said. "Preach to the governors of your states. They do the job."

The Catholic bishops had raised concerns over security, the economy, education, religious freedom and the conduct of future elections during the meeting with the President.